Court Martial

This episode is rather dull and actually didn't make much sense. Even though Kirk has shown himself a very capable officer and has a long list of amazing exploits to his credit, he is framed and faces a court martial--gee, Federation, thanks for the vote of confidence!! About the only highlight in the show is the guest appearance of character actor, Elisha Cook. He was a fine actor and added a nice performance to the show. But apart from that, the show was way too static and uninvolving. Even the "surprise ending" was pretty dull and learning that Kirk had, some time back, "bagged" the female prosecuting attorney (is there ANY female Kirk hasn't put the moves on?!).

The legal drama TV show format, so popular in the 60s (The Defenders, Perry Mason etc.), gets a sci-fi makeover with Court Martial, which sees Kirk charged with culpable negligence after the death of his old friend Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Finney (Richard Webb). The Enterprise's computer shows that Kirk jettisoned Finney's research pod during an ion storm while still only on yellow alert, whereas Kirk insists that he strictly adhered to Starfleet regulations and waited until red alert was sounded before pushing the button.

A courtroom drama, albeit one in space, could have been a real snooze-fest, but Court Martial is far from it thanks to an intriguing script that further explores the popular Trek theme of man vs. Machine, an excellent performance from William Shatner, terrific support from Elisha Cook Jr. As defense lawyer Cogley, and a fun final act that once again sees Kirk in a fist fight, his shirt reduced to rags. There's also romantic interest for Kirk in the form of sexy prosecution attorney Areel Shaw (Joan Marshall), an old flame of the captain's (obviously!). All in all, a well-rounded episode.

"Court Martial" (Feb. 2, 1967) Old TV Guide synopsis: 'A computer offers damaging evidence against Kirk, who has been brought to trial for criminal negligence.' An episode that seems to divide fans, I always enjoyed this courtroom drama where a Federation starship captain is tried for negligence and willful perjury, brought by Percy Rodrigues as Commodore Stone (Malachi Throne played a similar character in "The Menagerie"). It's nice to see longtime Hollywood veteran Elisha Cook as the bibliophilic attorney Samuel T. Cogley, pitted against the glamorous Joan Marshall as Areel Shaw, among Kirk's numerous loves scattered across the universe. Richard Webb had starred in his own syndicated series, BORDER PATROL, and would be typecast thereafter as lawmen for the most part (1972's "Beware! The Blob"). McCoy gets the best line as he berates Spock's seeming disinterest in his captain's fate while playing chess aboard the Enterprise: "you're the most cold blooded man I've ever known" "why, thank you doctor!"

Kirk goes on trial for causing the death of a crew member.

This is a moderately entertaining episode with a quite weak story but it does have an interesting theme and some memorable moments.

Legal thrillers can be compelling when done well, but this one feels like nothing other than actors playing courtroom drama. Nothing feels plausible and some of the cross examinations feel contrived. The less said about how the case ends the better, not just for spoilers, but for me it's an anticlimax.

There is a streak of technofear running through the story which has a big man versus machine theme. I did quite enjoy the concept of whether humanity should trust machines more than humans, but unfortunately the chess related turning point feels quite obvious. Knowledge of information technology was not the same in the 1960s and this does make it feel quite dated. However, I can empathise that audiences watching it early broadcasts might have been very intrigued.

Looking at it almost 60 years later I appreciate the central point it makes now more than ever, considering the technology is now programmed to spy on us, collect our personal information, gather market research based on our lifestyles so it can control us and turn computer programmers into multi-billionaires.

There are some scenes I did enjoy, particularly before the trial. I loved Kirk confronting by Starfleet personnel in Starbase 11 and his no-nonsense handling of their hostility. The scene where he meets his defence lawyer is also quite good. Spock and Bones, as ever, are a joy to watch throughout the episode. Even in situations that feel quite forced they manage to entertain. The climactic scene on board the bridge of the Enterprise is a classic Kirk, girl of the week, Spock and Bones moment.

The visuals are a mixed bag, with some quite silly costumes, one ridiculously obvious fight between two stuntmen and a fairly static sequence of the bridge of the Enterprise during a decaying orbit. Starbase 11 sets are good, particularly the lawyer's office and the scenes in the recreation area. I'm not sure what to make of the fixation on the red tapes, but I guess it goes well with the episode themes.

Most of the acting is good, especially William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and Elisha Cook Junior. Joan Marshall does well with some fairly poor material. I find Richard Webb's performance quite irritating.

It's a 6.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

This episode is soo well written and acted i enjoyed every minute the story involves kirk being court martialed for the wrongful death of a crewman but theres one thing wrong the computer says he jettisoned the pod killing the crewman initially and the computer never makes a mistake this episode featured kirk being prosecuted by a woman he used to know and every actor involved did a terrific job if you want to see the best season 1 has to offer watch this theres never a dull moment